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Large-scale utility solar: Solar Frontier discusses the sector and unique
requirements By Debra Vogler, senior technical editorMarch 17, 2011 -- In
an interview at the Renewable Energy World/Photovoltaics World Conference &
Expo (3/8-3/10, Tampa, FL), Charles Pimentel, sales director, utility
business, at Solar Frontier, discussed the challenges facing large-scale
utility projects. In particular, he noted that long-term reliability and
durability of panels used in these projects has been a concern of the
finance community. Along with this concern are factors such as price,
quality, and the ability to predict the power that gets generated by the
panels, along with the reliability of the supply chain itself. "In the
utility arena, efficiency of process is key, and one stumbling block in the
process of building out these large-scale utility projects can just destroy
what little margin they do have," said Pimentel. "That's what we're finding
is at the top of everyone's mind right now, and that's where we believe we
will be able to bring Solar Frontier into the top players in this industry,
because we bring predictability to all of these factors." Listen to
Pimentel's talk: Download (iPod/iPhone) or Play Now The finance community is
also imposing more stringent requirements on utility-scale projects. In
addition to strong companies with good balance sheets and a track record,
they must have product in the field and be able to show a record of power
generation and quality, explained Pimentel. Also, back-stop insurance and
any number of technical requirements are being mandated by the finance
community; these requirements are being developed in concert with
third-party engineers. "We work very closely with the finance community and
the independent engineering community to develop strategies to make sure
that these projects get financed when they are bundled up and brought to a
bank," said Pimentel.Subscribe to Photovoltaics WorldFollow Photovoltaics
World on Twitter.com via editors Pete Singer, twitter.com/PetesTweetsPW and
Debra Vogler, twitter.com/dvogler_PV_semi.Or join our Facebook group
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